Tim Ream Called Up For USMNT vs Czech Republic

Via USsoccer.com – U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has called 22 players into camp for the upcoming friendly against the Czech Republic on Sept. 3 in Prague, the USA’s first game of the 2018 FIFA World Cup cycle. Kickoff for the first meeting between the teams on Czech soil is set for 1:15 p.m. CT, and the match will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network and UniMas. Fans can also follow on Twitter @ussoccer.

“We look at this as the start of our project towards Russia in 2018, and in this first step we get to look at many of our talented young players based in Europe,” said Klinsmann. “We have some great youngsters coming through the ranks that are starting to break through with their clubs teams and are ready to challenge for spots on the Senior Team, and even most of our World Cup veterans from Brazil on this roster will be coming into the prime of their careers in the next four years, so this is an exciting opportunity.”

The match is the first in the new cycle, and Klinsmann is taking the opportunity to look at young talent. Of the 22 players coming to Prague, 15 are age 24 or younger. There are 11 players with 10 caps or less, and six looking to make their debut for the Senior National Team.

A total of 10 players from the USA’s run to the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup are on the roster. Fabian Johnson started all four matches in Brazil, while Alejandro Bedoya appeared in every game and started three. Hertha Berlin defender John Brooks scored the game-winning goal against Ghana, and 19-year-old Julian Green pulled the U.S. within one goal of Belgium when he scored in the second extra time of the 2-1 defeat.